Complementary and alternative medicines and childhood eczema: a US population-based study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dermatology
• Integrative Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Eczema affects a significant number of children in the United States.
• The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among children with eczema is not well-documented.
• The association between CAM use and eczema prevalence in US children remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of CAM use in US children.
• To investigate the association between CAM usage and eczema prevalence in children.
• To identify specific CAM therapies that may be linked to increased eczema prevalence.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative sample.
• Inclusion of 9417 children aged 0 to 17 years.
• Survey logistic regression used to calculate adjusted odds ratios for associations between CAM use and eczema prevalence.

Main Results:

• Overall CAM use was prevalent in 46.9% of US children.
• 0.99% of children used CAM specifically for eczema treatment.
• Several CAMs, including herbal therapy, vitamins, homeopathic therapy, movement techniques, and diet (especially vegan), were associated with increased eczema prevalence.

Conclusions:

• Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are frequently used by US children, including for eczema.
• Certain CAMs, even when not used for eczema, show an association with higher eczema prevalence.
• Some CAMs may pose risks and potentially exacerbate skin conditions like eczema in children.